How much does it cost to hire a home health aid?

As of 2013, the nationwide average cost to hire a licensed home health aide is $19 per hour, or roughly $44,500 per year. The costs vary by state, however, with the average hourly rate ranging from $16 to $30 in California.

The hourly rate for home health aides hired from companies that do not pay all of the taxes and insurances for its aides is typically lower than average. However, because an aide hired this way is an independent contractor, the persons for whom an aide provides services are liable for workers compensation coverage insurance through their homeowners insurance. This coverage is an extra fee in addition to the hourly rate paid for an aide's services.